RSWM - Shalom

I, being of Jewish descent, was very interested in Hebrew and especially the Hebrew word so commonly used, "Shalom". So my husband and I did some research on that word and this is what we found, which I sincerely hope will be of interest and more over, a learning tool for my readers -- Shalom.

Anyone interested in modern Israel will certainly want to know a smattering of Hebrew, the ancient biblical language that has been reborn in Israel during the last century. An increasing number of Christians are discovering that Hebrew is the kesher - the connection - to the roots of our faith, and that a knowledge of Hebrew can greatly increase our understanding of the Bible.

As my husband conveyed to me, one of the first words that he heard while visiting Israel was, "Shalom". That's because it is used to say "hello" and "good-bye" to someone - somewhat like "Aloha" is used in Hawaii. When you think about it, to wish someone "peace" is a very nice thing. And, if shalom only meant peace that would still be great. However, in Hebrew, shalom has so many more meanings than the word "peace" in English, which means, "freedom from strife and disorder; harmony; and to be quite".

The foundation of almost every Hebrew word is a root composed of three consonants, and each root has its own fundamental meaning. The other letters that fill in around the three-consonant root to make a word can be varied in many ways to make other words. However, something of the basic meaning of the root always remains in the meaning of all other words.

The root of the word shalom is sheen-lamed-mem, transliterated in English as SH-L-M. Its basic meaning is "wholeness" or "completeness." Literally hundreds of Hebrew words are built from the root SH-L-M, and all of them have some connection to the basic meaning. For example, ShaLeM means "complete," and is also mentioned in Genesis 14:18 (transliterated in English as "Salem") SheLeM means "peace offering" which was part of restoring a broken relation with God; SheeLeM means "he paid," that is he completely fulfilled his obligation.

Hebrew is very efficient and has a relatively small vocabulary, approximately one-tenth that of English. One word can often serve a variety of functions but Shalom -- The peace and love of God encompasses all of the following, and more: Well-Being, Happiness, Safety, Health, Friendship, and most importantly; the saving grace of God -- Salvation. And in all of this, we begin to see the full depth of such a "simple" word. For not only the literal but also the abstracts of the meanings associated with shalom, includes every aspect and facet of our lives as God's children.

When our Lord was talking to His disciples in regard to the time when He would go to be with the Father, Yeshua promised them His shalom. He said that the Holy Spirit would come to be their Comforter and Teacher. Yeshua would remind them of all the things He had said to them (John 14:25-26). Then He said, "Peace (Shalom) I leave with you, my peace (Shalom) I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) It is interesting that Yeshua stressed He would not give them the peace of the world; that is fleeting, temporary and inconsistent. Rather, He promised them His Shalom, the Shalom of God, which is the essence of salvation, wholeness, well-being, friendship, safety, health, tranquility, and contentment. Who could ask for more?

Don't wait any longer. If the Shalom of God that passes all understanding is ours for the asking and if you've never known this peace before, let this day be your day to experience this great gift of the Lord.